There continues to be some discussion as to the etymology of the location's name; the prevailing opinion theorizes that the name derived from "rebolosa", from "reboleiros", a Portuguese species of wild chestnuts, which are "rebordans" or "round".

Since the Middle Ages, these forests have been responsible for a parallel industry to agriculture that occur in the lowlands and plains: the production of wood furniture, consequently, has been important to the success of its local economy.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Rebordosa was the stage for violent battles between Liberal and Absolutist forces, becoming celebrated for his anti-liberal sermons, Father Alvito Buela Pereira de Miranda.

The history of Rebordosa is linked to the geomorphological characteristics and flora of the localities: the small quartze mountains, with its acid soils, rich is potassium, iron and aluminium, created conditions for a large forested matte.

This activity had an important impact on the local economy, with many of the families responsible for wood carving and carpentry selling their wares in the town (the women transporting chairs on their heads).